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Fort Lauderdale Police were searching for a man who abducted a 9-year-old girl on Monday, but she was able to escape. Police spokeswoman DeAnna Greenlaw and parents Angela Marcano and Nicole Campbell comment. (Published Tuesday, July 2, 2013)

Fort Lauderdale Police were searching for a man who abducted a 9-year-old girl on Monday, but she was able to escape.

The girl was walking in the area of NW 9th Avenue and NW 2nd Street when the man grabbed her and threw her into his car. She had been walking home.

The girl escaped from the car and ran to an adult nearby for help.

"There is someone out there that was trying to take a young child off the street away from their family, and obviously, wanted to commit harm to this child," police spokeswoman Det. DeAnna Greenlaw said.

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The man is driving a newer model four-door Chevy Impala.

Nicole Campbell picked up her son from the 2nd Street Boys and Girls Club shortly after news of the attempted kidnapping broke. She said it’s a reminder that parents now must prepare their kids for such situations.

“I train them on what to do, so that in the event that something like this does happen, they know how to handle it,” the concerned parent said.

Parent Angelo Marcano experssed concern over the incident.

"I mean, they are so many predators in the world, you just don't know," Marcano said. "We have to watch them, we have to drop them off and make sure they get there safely, cause you never know. It could have been my daughter."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 954-828-5964.

"I'm glad the cops be in the neighborhood doing their job. Everytime I see a cop I do the thumbs up, you know, cause he's doing his job to keep everybody safe," said parent Jason Harris.